Herbs For Depression: Combating Sadness with Turmeric and Star Wars

Our dog's name, roughly translated into Latin, means "Star Wars". So I feel compelled to at least mention the fact that Star Wars VII IS ALMOST HERE, YOU GUYS! But because I do not have a sci-fi fangirl blog, I need to keep all this excitement in check and stick to the psychology. So let's get to it.

There are a number of vitamins and minerals that are critical for emotional health, from magnesium, to zinc to vitamin B to vitamin D. Like the diverse forces of the Rebel Alliance, all of these contain properties that are required for appropriate functioning of the brain, often on a cellular level.

But did you know that there are certain herbs that may be useful in reducing mental health issues as well?

Let’s talk about turmeric, an earthy, almost-bitter-but-not-quite herb often used with curry in Indian dishes. It’s not just for curry anymore.

Yoda would approve.

Curcumin As A Natural Antidepressant

Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, may be an effective antidepressant, according to numerous studies including a 2013 article published in Phytotherapy Research1. In this study, researchers pitted the commonly prescribed Fluoxetine (Prozac) against curcumin for six weeks. Curcumin was found to be as effective as Prozac in reducing depressive symptoms in patients with Major Depressive Disorder. No small feat, especially since patients reported no adverse effects to curcumin. Prozac, on the other hand, has a laundry list of side effects including agitation, restlessness, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, sexual dysfunction and even scary or suicidal thoughts2.

Cell destruction is the Darth Vader of depression. It spends a lot of time weakening critical regions of the brain so that during one last stressor, systems break down and depression wins.

Fucking Vader.

Curcumin’s antioxidant and ant-inflammatory properties may serve to protect cells in the brain and body alike, a critical element in the treatment of depression. This may also explain why curcumin demonstrates neuroprotective effects in a number of disorders besides major depression, from tardive dyskinesia to epilepsy4. There is even research to suggest that it may be beneficial in improving function in Alzheimer's patients3,4 and may reduce symptoms of dementia6.

Curcumin = the Yoda of depression (at least until episode VI), strengthening all those systems to launch a counter attack

There is also another, more specific, explanation for curcumin's remarkable antidepressant qualities, and it has nothing to do with light sabers. But we have to go deeper than a Gungan underworld for that.

Rat studies generally show the same antidepressant effects as those done with humans, though the depression tends to be induced beforehand. This allows us to avoid making people upset, giving them herbs, then sneaking up behind test subjects with a frying pan (or a light saber as it were) to see what it did to their brain.

Even in cases where people were not actively trying to piss rats off so that they could later cure them, curcumin was still found to beneficial and reduced depressive symptoms such as helplessness and decreased motor activity5. Reductions in depression were found to be dependent on the dose of curcumin: the more they were given, the less depressed they were5.

Researchers attributed these alterations to brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein that is critical for protecting and growing new neurons. This is especially important in the hippocampus, an area routinely found to be damaged in depressed patients. In this case, the study found that curcumin effectively increased levels of BNDF in the hippocampus, and the more curcumin, the higher the BNDF in the region.

BNDF = Luke Skywalker?

It's enough to get you excited about Episode VII (as if you needed another reason).

Foods For Depression: Upping Your Intake Of Curcumin

Many choose to take curcumin supplements like this one, but others like to find whole food sources when possible. A quality turmeric powder like this can be easily added to smoothies, sprinkled over roasted vegetables, or stirred into a marinade for fish or chicken. My kids love it with coconut milk over stir fried vegetables and raisins. You can also mix grated turmeric root or turmeric powder into warm milk with a little raw honey for a delicious hot chocolate alternative.

But my all-time favorite way to eat turmeric is in oatmeal. I know, it sounds crazy. Not as crazy as kissing your brother before you knew he was your brother (really Leia?), but stay with me.

Turmeric Oatmeal AKA Yoda Surprise:

2 cups oats (I use sprouted oat groats, but you can use any kind you have on hand)

Just cook the oats in the water (or milk). While they cook, add the vanilla, coconut oil and spices. Three minutes before the oats are done, toss in the apples and the raisins. Top with honey if you're a sugar freak like I am, or add chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds or shredded coconut for a little more texture.

How to Grow Turmeric

While turmeric can get expensive if you buy it often, it is easy to grow. You just have to find a grocer who sells the root so you can plant it, or order it online here. Just put the root in a large pot, or stick it in the ground outdoors if you live in a warm climate. Keep the soil moist but not wet, and watch it grow. It does take about eight months to go from root to harvest, but if you are careful, you can usually replant the same root after harvesting a hunk to grow more for the next year.

It’s the gift that keeps on giving. Much like a ghosty Obi Wan, but in a much less creepy way.

*Curcumin or turmeric should not be used as stand-alone treatments for depression. If you are suffering from depression, please seek the assistance of a clinician.